Millet to Stoddard: August 25, 1875

[Letter 11: Letters of Frank Millet to Charles Warren Stoddard: May 10, 1875 - January 3, 1900

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East Bridgewater

August 25, 1875

Most beloved Chumemeke: --

A glorious sunset – it only wants the mood to make the evening perfect. But of course I cannot enjoy it, for two reasons: First: the soul killing association with these good country people. Second: the absence of the only one of my sex (or any other sex) with whom I could enjoy any beauties of nature or of art without: the feeling that one, or both of us was a porcupine with each quill as sensitive as a bare nerve. If you were here, Charlie, I could, perhaps, be happy.

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When am I coming back? You ask in your letter just received. I have not changed the date yet. Immediately after Thanksgiving which comes on the last Thursday in November. I tell everybody that this is the time I am going back, and everybody is [page 2] making up their minds that on that date I leave the country. So there is no manner of doubt about it at all, my boy, as I have already written two or three times.

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I have been home but very little as yet – only two weeks in the country, anyway, and the most of the time in Boston. I wrote you I think, about my studio. We have just finished shingling the roof today. We work 12 hours a day and, in a couple of days more it will be all done…and painted inside. It makes a jolly little room 20 x 15 with great light. I shall carry my desk down there – stow away all my books and papers and be able to write at my ease there. It is only a temporary affair but a desirable one so I can lock all my things up when I go away and give the keys to Father to keep the children out.

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Last Sunday I spent with the Adams in Quincy, or rather we spent it down the harbour in his yacht and I passed the most peaceful 41 hours I have since I landed. Great house, plenty of servants, a good literary atmosphere, good dinners, good wines, [page 3] and good cheer. Mr. A, who has been a good friend of mine says of course I must return in the fall.

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I have, of course, very many invitations. I refuse, all I can. Since I have been in this town I have only been across the street once. Stick in my own dooryard all the time. I don’t care, a d--- what my friends think. There is a first rate club in Boston, composed of Bohemians, where I can plunge into all the magazines and newspapers. Five rooms, the best I ever saw. There in Lippincotts [magazine] I read your “Sawdust Fairy” and Donny’s “Saint Bernard.” In the Overland [Monthly] is published her Provincial Rhapsody. I also have seen in the Overland a poem of yours about Venice. Joaquin [Miller, known as a writer about the American west] has changed his spots at least I hear he has gone to Jersey or some other out of the way state. He is in for lectures on “New Rome & New Romans”, “New Italy”, “Afloat in Venice.[”] The conceited ass! What does he know about the Italians or afloat in Venice? I’d like to hear the latter. Shall if I possibly [page 4] can.

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Newspaper business is awfully dull. Can’t get a thing to do or a cent for anything. It never has been so flat before. I had a little thing in the “Courier” which I send you. It is sort of funny, I think, even in dog days. Dog days are scirocos [windy] days and no discount. We have here nothing but dog days since I arrived and this and the mixed up state of my affairs makes me write as I do. Hungry! I’d give all I possess if you were here to lie down under the pines on the river side and gaum [hang out] with me for a season! But let us have patience and we shall meet again.

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In the same mail with yours (the last containing the two letters of introduction for, with many thanks) came one from Mrs. Adams. A very good letter[.] I am really glad if there is nothing between Donny [Charlotte Adams] and Will Green -— but I don’t believe Mrs. A. if she wrote you that. She may say so, but what I saw at St. Elisa in Donny’s face told a different story. How could she be so foolish. Oh, I have had a letter from that creature. I returned it unopened and without a word. Mrs. Adams who predicted great things may now be satisfied that I shall not return with Mrs. Millet. I hope to hear from Donny soon.

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But it is late and I’ll stop. Shall write more a week always, dear old boy and when we meet we’ll have it out. With much love I am always yours –

Frank

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